“Where Do I Start?” | New Witch Q&A
This is all based on my path, opinion, research & experiences.
Now onto the rest of it.
I get a lot of you saying you don’t know where to start, you feel you don’t really know what you’re doing. Here’s a quick tip, none of us do either! Let me stop you there, and tell you now, witchcraft is not an easy path. You have to make decisions, the path is not set in stone. There is no right way, or wrong way, you just have to decide and be confident in your choices and interests.
That being said, this is some advice that I’ve picked up from answering a lot of questions & hearing a lot of horror stories. It is an outline for anyone that is new, regardless of path. I hope you find it useful.
My favorite explanation of witchcraft is,
“Witchcraft is the practice of manipulating energy through various means to produce a desired result.”
- Skye Alexander
But my dear newbies, you will find that each witch may define witchcraft a little differently. Overall, that quote is meant to simply give you a vague idea of what witchcraft is so that you will know if it may be a path you’re interested in.
What don’t witches do? | Misconceptions
Now we shall go over what witchcraft is not. Here’s a few quick facts for you.
Witches do not worship Satan (Most of the time.)
Witchcraft is not a religion, Wicca is.
You do not need to work with deities/spirits or be Wiccan to be a witch.
You do not have to be a woman, or be any certain gender, culture, race, age, ect to be a witch. Anyone who tells you so is full of shit.
You don’t have to born a witch, or have some special magickal experience to be a witch.
We do not always wear dark clothing.
We may or may not curse you.
You can be any religion & still practice witchcraft.
If you’re looking into witchcraft knowing absolutely nothing, a curious outsider who wonders if witchcraft is for you. Here are some things witches do.
Spells & Magick
Of course, this is one of the first things that come to mind when you think of witches. Even one in a movie or fairy tale. Here are some fun examples of types of spells and magick:
Candle magick
Any magick that involves candles, some examples of this are using candles based on color, you can also cover them with herbs, oils, or care sigils and symbols into them.
Sigils
I mentioned these in the last section! Sigils are symbols imbued with the magickal intent of a witch. In other words, they’re a symbol that means something specific. You charge (fill with energy) and activate the sigil. Sometimes people just draw them places too, but charging and activation give them more power.
Potions
Yes! Witches do actually make potions. In cauldrons too! They’re exactly like in the movies. Mixtures of liquids, oils, herbs, ect.
Glamours
A glamour is a spell that alters your appearance or energy! Often people use them to hide, to appear more attractive, or to intimidate others.
There are many, many more types of magick and spells available to witch. Those were just a few examples.
Divination
Defined as “The act of seeking information or insight by supernatural means.”
There are hundreds of methods of divination but a common example of divination is tarot cards. Ever see an old lady pull a few cards for past, present, and future in a movie? Those are tarot cards.
Communication with deities, spirits, or fae
Did you ever love ghost stories as a kid? Or read greek mythology? Were you ever obsessed with fairies? I certainly was. Many witches believe in, and work with these beings.
Energy work
Really any witchy work that involves energy is, no surprise, energy work. Some examples of this are using crystals to manipulate or attract certain kinds of energy. Manipulating energy with a wand, yes we use those. Cleansing, warding, some even practice energetic healing!
Astral projection
Astral projection is a purposeful out-of-body experience where you, well, project a version of your consciousness (also known as an astral body) to a location that is separate from your physical body. I haven’t tried it yet, this is just an example of something that some witches do.
Celebrate the wheel of the year
Primarily celebrated by Wiccans, but some non-Wiccan witches like myself celebrate it too. The wheel of the year is a series of 8 holidays, called Sabbats, that are based on the changing of the seasons & nature.
In addition to this, pretty much every witch I’ve ever met has had a strong connection to nature & the beings/energies that are a part of it. This is one thing so far I’ve found to be universal to witches everywhere.
Of course I would recommend you look into all of these yourself, which is what the next section is about. Also, not all witches do all of these things. Once more, this is just to give you a vague idea so you know if spending time researching the craft more seriously is important to you.
If witchcraft seems like it’s for you, here is how you continue!
The First Step - Research
Research is the most important thing you will do as a baby witch! The most important advice I can give is research lots & don’t jump into anything. If you’re new, this is the best place to start.
I’ll be going over a list of topics I find necessary for every witch to research. No matter the circumstances, path, or interests of the witch.
Finally I’d recommend you look into your ancestry. There are a lot of magickal practices relating to certain parts of the world/certain cultures. There might be one relating to you that will interest you, so that’s definitely a topic to be looked into. However if it doesn’t interest at all, it’s not essential like the other topics are.
In addition to these, I strongly recommend you follow your own interests. Do you know that a family member practiced the craft? Look into how. Do you want to get into that obscure form of divination? Do it! Even if you’re interests are just things like tarot or sigils. Go for it.
A very common question I get is what online resources/books/tumblr blogs would I recommend & I feel since I mentioned research, answering this question goes along with “Where do I start?” so here are some links that should help you find resources in whatever form you may prefer.
Tumblr blogs
A list of witchy tumblr blogs I’d recommend!
@lunaesteria
@orriculum
@underworldariel
@heatherwitch
@moonlightacademy
@urbanspellcraft
@witchofapollo
@teaspellsandsecrets
@theladymorganlefay
@scarletravenswood
Websites
[Exemplore]
Tons of articles on basic witchy topics!
[Witchipedia]
They have just about every witchy term/topic defined & explained. Lots of links to further reading on said terms/topics too.
[LearnReligions]
Although the title may be misleading I’ve found a ton of useful articles on there!
[Labyrinthos]
Information on tarot.
[AstroCharts]
Website I use for astrology stuff!
Youtube Channels
Here’s a few witchy youtube channels I loved to watch when I was starting out.
[The Witch Of Wonderlust]
[Harmony Nice]
[Scarlet Ravenswood]
[Magickians]
A few more recommendation lists
[Witchy/Spiritual/Paranormal Youtubers]
[More Witchy Youtubers]
[Youtube Witches]
Books
[Witchy Books I’d Recommend]
A few more recommendation lists
[Beginner Witch Book]
[Beginner Wiccan Books]
[Witchcraft Books]
[Magickal Books]
[Book Recommendations For Witches]
Finally I’d like to suggest this!
[All Of My Posts | A Guide For Baby Witches]
It’s a directory of all of my posts. You will likely find information there regarding many of the subjects I mentioned above, such as cleansing.
Advice For Researching
When you’re researching ANYTHING relating to witchcraft no matter the source, no matter how you found it, or rather if you hear it’s good/bad, PLEASE think critically. Learn to pick out the bad bits. Ask yourself things like could this be biased? Does this make sense? Do I agree with this? Is this one sided? Could it be appropriation? Ect. If you do find bullshit, remember that doesn’t mean everything in the book is useless. In addition if you tend to find the same answer in vastly different places it is likely to be true.
In addition, if a book says any of these things I am suspicious of all unknown information presented by said book:
Wicca is the only way/Wicca and witchcraft are the same.
Very commonly implied in Silver Ravenworm’s books, which are bullshit by the way. If a book implies this I don’t even bother to read it.
Three fold rule
Once more, if a book implies this I don’t bother.
Look out for appropriation
If there’s talk of gypsies, chakras, dream catchers, ect ect I’m usually suspicious of a person’s prospective or ethics.
White magick
I personally do not believe magick is white nor black so this is something I avoid because it’s bullshit to me. Might not be true for everyone!
Those are just my beliefs, still even if you believe the 3 fold rule. if someone tries to shove it down your throat, they are likely questionable. Once again this does not mean all books like this are useless, because some don’t have the means to be as picky about books as I am. You should also always be suspicious of new witchy books and especially authors. These are just red flags for you.
Now we will be moving onto where you will put the information you collect! The next section is all about grimoires.
What is a grimoire?
A grimoire is a collection of information to be used by a witch. A witchy journal, if you will. A collection of information or notes from research.
Why do I need one?
Witchcraft has a lot & I mean a LOT of information to be learned. It will prove to be very difficult to practice effectively & keep track of said information without a place to store it.
How do I start one?
Do not worry about having anything fancy or organized if you are new. Just have a space, that can be on your laptop, in a notebook, in a binder, or other location that you are storing information on witchcraft. When I’m researching I like to have a page dedicated to the topic, with the date I wrote the information & where I got it. This will prove very useful later.
For more tips on grimoire making see this post,
[Grimoire Tips]
I feel like I’m gonna mess something up… | Common Mistakes To Avoid
A lot of people, particularly young people that are new to witchcraft seem to be worried they’ll “mess something up.” I get questions/concerns relating to that a lot. So, here’s a few things to not do, no matter who you are. It’s also an opportunity for me to lecture and forewarn you, which is much needed.
Research & think critically
I know I already covered this, I will likely cover it more, but I had to remind you anyways. Research anything you do to make sure it is not part of a closed culture, and make sure it is safe, advisable, and necessary.
Always cleanse & ward
I have said this a million times & I mean it. 90% of the problems/bad situations I am presented with could be solved by simply returning to the basics.
Don’t jump into spell/spirit work
The other 10% of problems could be solved by listening to this. Don’t jump into this stuff. It’s not a toy. It is a tool. It is powerful. You are powerful.
Research herbs/crystals before use
Don’t just go foraging for, ingesting, burning, or rubbing things on you that you know nothing about. Same goes for crystals. Some crystals are sensitive to water, sunshine, ect. If you put a crystal in your water it could dissolve and render the water very toxic. Be careful.
Practice fire safety
Yes it’s a problem. Be aware. Research anything you burn, do not leave it & keep a glass of water nearby in case things get out of hand.
What tips do you have for babies? | Some Extra Advice
Intuition
Follow your intuition. If it tells you to do something or change something about a spell, do it. Learn to distinguish it from everything else. It will prove useful in the years to come.
Routine
A lot of witches, particularly new ones are young & have school or a job or both keeping them busy. That’s why it’s very important you work witchcraft into your routine. It makes it so much easier to feel accomplished & like you’re advancing. For more tips on that, see these posts:
[Everyday Magick Tips]
[Are You A Busy Witch?]
Witch Type / Path
A lot of people are going to try to convince you that you have to pick a certain path. Finding interests of your own is great & very important, but here’s a hot take, you’re likely not a crystal witch. Most witches are eclectic in some form. Your interests & what you focus on will change & that’s okay. Don’t feel any pressure to stick to one certain thing. If you want to be a hedge witch or a ceremonial magician, go right ahead, this is for those that feel restricted & stressed out by the idea. It’s okay if your path changes, too. Most people have different interests throughout time, it makes sense the same would apply to a spectrum of topics as broad as witchcraft.
Supplies
Another common question is what supplies are essential for a baby to have? If you’ve come this far & the contents of this post are new to you, then you aren’t ready for supplies yet. Just keep researching & learning about your interests. When it’s time for you to go buy something, you’ll know what to get.
People have different ideas
Another important tip, a lot of information and specifically methodology you see is just a person’s personal method or opinion. Many of the asks I receive can be answered with “Well some people think that, others don’t” so learn that most of the time if you want to do something differently, you can.
This post took 2 weeks to finish. It’s finally done!
I hope this post helped you or you learned something new!
Enjoy!
Have a lovely day 💖
